Techniques for displaying data based on characteristics of a display device

ABSTRACT

A method of selecting a portion of a block of data for display based on characteristics of a display device. The method comprises several steps. In the first step, a block of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) data is received at a communication device adapted to process this data. Next, an input is received at the communication device regarding an appearance of the display device. The communication device can be a set-top box. The appearance of the display includes, but is not limited to, the resolution, the aspect ratio (AR), and the physical size of the display. Based on these inputs, the communication device next selects a portion, more or fewer columns or rows, of the block of EPG data to be displayed on the display device. The portion of the EPG data selected is formatted and communicated to the display device, e.g. television, for viewing by the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/025,210filed Feb. 4, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 7,493,642issued Feb. 17, 2009, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,839,903issued Jan. 4, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As the number of broadcasters increase and the number of new and reruntelevision (TV) programs and movies increase, a need arises for a methodto provide this increasing amount of information to a viewerelectronically. Conventional televisions and broadcasters utilize afeature referred to as an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) tocommunicate a schedule of upcoming television or movie programs to aviewer via a television screen.

Referring to prior art FIG. 1A, a table 120 of a conventional block ofdata for an EPG is shown. The table 120 has a top column of time 124 anda vertical column for channel 122. Program information, e.g. program Ainfo. 128 a, falls under a specific time, e.g. 9:00 a.m. on week 1 124a, and under a specific broadcaster, e.g. ABC 122 a, or media provider,e.g. Gemstar. Specifically, table 120 can span a wide range of time 126,such as one to two weeks of programming information. Similarly, thenumber of broadcasters 129 displayed can vary significantly. That is,programming information for either a single broadcaster, e.g. ABC 122 a,or for multiple broadcasters, e.g. ABC 122 a through PAX 122 f, can beprovided by a carrier.

The block of data is stored in a memory block of the display device,e.g. a television set. Because the entire block of data cannot bedisplayed at one time, due to the limited size of a television screenand the extreme size of the amount of data in the EPG, a need arises fora method and apparatus to intelligently select and format a suitableamount of data from the block of EPG data to display on the displaydevice.

Conventionally, only a one hour block of EPG scheduling, e.g. block 130of prior art FIG. 1A, is typically presented on a display device, suchas a television screen. This is a very limited span of time for a viewerto plan a viewing schedule. Consequently, a need arises for displaying awider range of information of the EPG.

Referring to prior art FIG. 1B, two conventional television screenformats are shown. The conventional television screen 102, having amatrix of pixels 106, has a height 103 and a width 104. The relationshipbetween the width 104 and the height 103 of a display is referred to asan aspect ratio (AR). In the case of the first television set 102, theAR is 4:3. This 4:3 AR is the primary reason for the standardizedone-hour EPG scheduling block provided on a television screen. However,with the introduction of other television formats, ARs different fromthe standardized 4:3 AR have arisen. For example, another television104, having a matrix of pixels 108, has a height 109 and a width 116.The corresponding AR of this format, for television 104, is 16:9. Thus,a need arises for a method and apparatus to provide a different formatof EPG information to a display device.

Unfortunately, conventional methods and devices do not allow a singleformat of EPG data to be aesthetically displayed on a variety oftelevision sets with different ARs, e.g. that are different than the ARof the EPG data. For example, an EPG table formatted for one AR may notbe readable on a device having a significantly different AR from the EPGtable because the text will have an inappropriate height or width whendisplayed. Devices with different ARs will continue to exist as long aslegacy devices continue to be used and as long as new devices withdifferent ARs are introduced into the market. Broadcasting astandardized EPG display format will not, by itself, be compatible witha variety of television displays having different ARs. The displayed EPGdata will either be too wide or too tall for one display device or itwill be too narrow or too short for another display device. As a result,a need arises for a more flexible method of providing EPG data to adisplay device.

Furthermore, other display characteristics of a display device can havean effect on how much data from a large block of data can be displayed.For example, display device characteristics, such as resolution and sizeof the display to name a few, can have an effect on how much data canreadably be displayed on the display device. Consequently, a moreeffective method for displaying EPG information on a display device isneeded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention pertains to a video device. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to the field of displaying aportion of a block of data, e.g. an electronic program guide, on adisplay device based on the display characteristics of the displaydevice.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus to intelligentlyselect and format a suitable amount of data from the block of EPG datato display on a display device. Furthermore, the present inventionprovides a method for displaying a wider range of information of the EPGthan is currently available. That is, the present invention provides amethod and apparatus that takes advantage of the wider AR of a wideaspect ratio display, to display additional EPG program guideinformation. At the same time, the present invention provides a methodand apparatus that can be adapted to select and format a portion of anEPG block of data that would be suitable to display devices withdifferent ARs, thus accommodating new and legacy devices. The presentinvention also provides a method and apparatus that optimizes the amountof readable data displayed on the display device based on display devicecharacteristics such as resolution and size of the display device.

Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention provides a methodof determining a portion of a block of data to be provided to a displaydevice. In the present embodiment, the method comprises several steps.In the first step, a block of EPG data is received at a communicationdevice adapted to process this data. Next, an input is received at thecommunication device regarding an appearance of the display device. Thecommunication device can be an integrated or add-on component of atelevision set or a set-top box. A television set can be adapted toautomatically transmit data regarding its appearance, and thus betransparent to the user. The appearance of the display includes, but isnot limited to, the resolution, the aspect ratio (AR), and the physicalsize of the display. Based on these inputs, the communication devicewill select a portion of the block of EPG data to be displayed on thedisplay device. The portion of the EPG data selected is formatted andcommunicated to the display device, e.g. television, for viewing by theuser.

Another embodiment of the present invention implements the method ofdetermining a portion of a block of data to be provided to a displaydevice by using a processor and memory that can be located in theset-top box or a TV. The steps provided in the previous paragraph areimplemented as data and instructions of the memory to be executed by theprocessor.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become clear tothose of ordinary skill in the art after having read the followingdetailed description of the preferred embodiments which are describedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of exampleand not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanyingdrawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elementsand in which:

FIG. 1A shows a table of a conventional block of data for an ElectronicProgramming Guide (EPG).

FIG. 1B shows a conventional 4:3 AR television screen and a conventional16:9 AR television screen.

FIG. 2A shows a block diagram of a video device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B shows a block of EPG data formatted for a 16:9 aspect ratiodisplay device, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2C shows a block of EPG data formatted for a 4:3 aspect ratiodisplay device, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the steps performed to determine a portionof a block of data to be provided to a display device, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the steps performed to determine a portionof a block of data to be provided to a display device based on thedisplay characteristics of the display device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with thepreferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in thefollowing detailed description of the present invention, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious toone of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described indetail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow, e.g. theprocesses, are presented in terms of procedures, logic blocks,processing, and other symbolic representations of operations on databits within a computer or a digital system memory. These descriptionsand representations are the means used by those skilled in the arts tomost effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled inthe art. A procedure, logic block, process, etc., is herein, andgenerally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps orinstructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiringphysical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though notnecessarily, these physical manipulations take the form of electrical ormagnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined,compared, and otherwise manipulated in a processor. For reasons ofconvenience, and with reference to common usage, these signals arereferred to as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms,numbers, or the like with reference to the present invention.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these terms are to beinterpreted as referencing physical manipulations and quantities and aremerely convenient labels to be interpreted further in view of termscommonly used in the art. Unless specifically stated otherwise asapparent from the following discussions, it is understood thatthroughout discussions of the present invention, terms such as“receiving,” “selecting,” “formatting,” “communicating,” or the like,refer to the action and processes that can be implemented by anelectronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data. Thedata is represented as physical (electronic) quantities within theregisters and memories of the device, and is transformed into other datasimilarly represented as physical quantities within the devicecomponents, or computer system memories or registers, or other suchinformation storage, transmission or display devices.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, a block diagram of a video device 200 isshown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Videodevice 200 can be a display source device in a set-top box, a PersonalComputer (PC) having a tuner for video viewing, a television set, suchas a high resolution digital TV, an analog TV, or some other displaydevice. Video device 200 includes a frame buffer 212, a processor 208, amemory 210, and a receiver 204. Processor 208 is coupled to frame buffer212, memory 210, and receiver 204. Additionally, broadcast input lead206, adapted to receive a video signal, is coupled to receiver 204.Broadcast input lead 206 can be adapted to receive a signal via cable,satellite, or antennae.

Additionally, a user input lead 213 is coupled to receiver 204 in FIG.2A and a display characteristic input lead 216 is coupled to processor208. User input lead 213 is adapted to receive a signal from a user of adisplay device 218. A signal can be provided to user input lead 213 viaa number of sources such as a remote control device, a Video CassetteRecorder (VCR), or input devices, such as buttons, located on thedisplay device 218. Display characteristic input lead 216 is adapted toreceive a signal from a display device 218. In one embodiment, videodevice 200 can have only a display characteristic input lead 216 and nouser input lead 213. In another embodiment, video device 200 can haveonly user input lead 213 and no display characteristic input lead 216.

Video device 200 of FIG. 2A provides a single output on image outputlead 214, which is coupled to frame buffer 212. Frame buffer 212 isadapted to provide a formatted frame showing a portion of the EPG table.While the components of video device 200 are shown in a specificarrangement and a specific coupling configuration, the present inventionis well-suited to adding other components and to altering the couplingconfiguration to suit specialized applications.

Memory 210 used in video device 200, for the present invention, caneither be permanent memory, such as read only memory (ROM), or temporarymemory such as random access memory (RAM). Memory 210 can also be anyother type of memory storage, capable of containing programinstructions, such as a hard drive, a CD ROM, or flash memory.Furthermore, processor 208 can either be a dedicated controller, anexisting system processor, a microprocessor, or some form of a statemachine.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, a block of EPG data formatted for a 16:9aspect ratio display device 230, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. Because display device 230 has a wider aspectratio than a conventional television, it can display a larger portion ofa block of EPG data. Consequently, the 9:00 a.m. slot 124 a through the10:00 a.m. slot 124 c and the ABC channel 122 a through the PAX channel122 f can all be displayed at once. While the present embodiment shows aspecific quantity of time slots and channels, the present invention iswell-suited to displaying a wide range of time slots and channels.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, a block of EPG data formatted for a 4:3 aspectratio display device 240, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. Because display device 240 has a conventional aspectratio, it can only display a nominal portion of a block of EPG data.Consequently, only the 9:00 a.m. slot 124 a through the 9:30 a.m. slot124 b and the ABC channel 122 a through the CBS channel 122 b can all bedisplayed at once. While the present embodiment shows a specificquantity of time slots and channels for a 4:3 aspect ratio displaydevice, the present invention is well-suited to displaying a wide rangeof time slots and channels. Furthermore, the present invention iswell-suited to providing display information for a display device withany aspect ratio. The two embodiments provided in FIGS. 2B and 2C werechosen because they are standards. In one embodiment, FIG. 2B is adigital display device while FIG. 2C is a conventional analog displaydevice. Thus, the present invention accommodates both the new digitaltechnology devices as well as the legacy analog devices.

Referring now to FIG. 3 a flowchart is shown of the process performed todetermine a portion of a block of data to be provided to a displaydevice, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Byusing the process 3000 embodiment of the present invention, intelligentformatting can be performed to optimize the amount of EPG data providedon a display device to a viewer. Additionally, the present inventionprovides for the use of legacy devices, such as televisions withstandardized aspect ratios. While the present embodiment implementsprocess 3000 in a digital television set, the present invention can beimplemented in other types of devices, such as an analog television, aPersonal Computer (PC) having a tuner for television viewing, or aset-top box. Process 3000 deals with the user interface, humaninterface, ergonomics, and cosmetic design of any display product thathas, or is used for, display data.

Process 3000 begins with step 3002. In step 3002 of the presentembodiment, a block of data is received at a video device. Step 3002 isimplemented, in one embodiment, by the video device such as video device200 shown in FIG. 2A. Specifically, video device 200 can receive a blockof data at receiver 204 via broadcast input lead 206. In one embodiment,a conventional block of data for EPG, such as that shown in prior artFIG. 1A, can be received at video device 200. Broadcast input lead 206can be adapted to receive a signal via cable, satellite, antennae, orInternet.

More specifically, the block of data, e.g. the EPG data, can be providedby the broadcaster via many different means. For example, a broadcastercan download two weeks of scheduling information in early morning hourson a semi-monthly basis. Alternatively, a broadcaster of media providercan transmit the block of data in real-time to the display device.Furthermore, transmission of the block of data can occur over anyconventional broadcasting means. That is, transmission of the block ofdata can occur via program transport stream of digital terrestrialbroadcast, via cable broadcast, or via satellite broadcast. For example,transmission of the block of data can occur via the National TelevisionStandards Commission (NTSC) use of field 2 line 21 XDS. Alternatively,transmission of the block of data can occur via program specificinformation protocol (PSIP) A/65 of the Advanced Television StandardsCommission (ATSC). In another protocol, normal or APG transmission ofthe block of data over the Digital Satellite System (DSS) can be used.The Dish Network can also be adapted to provide the block of data. Forcable television, either in-band, out-of-band, or DOCSIS protocol can beutilized to provide the block of data.

Alternative embodiments can be used to implement step 3002. For example,while the present embodiment utilizes a standard data block of EPG data,the present invention is well-suited to receiving any size and format ofblock of EPG data. Furthermore, while the present embodiment specifiesthe content of the block of data as the EPG data, the present inventioncan be applied to any block of data to be displayed on a display device.For example, menu setting data for a TV or a VCR can be selected andformatted using the present invention. Following step 3002, process 3000proceeds to step 3004.

In step 3004 of the present embodiment, input regarding the appearanceof the display is received. A display device can provide input 3004 a onits display characteristics. Step 3004 and input 3004 a are implemented,in one embodiment, by the video device 200 shown in FIG. 2A.Specifically, video device 200 is adapted to receive input 3004 a ondisplay characteristic input lead 216 from a display device. Thisembodiment is applicable when a display device has a component that willautomatically transmit data regarding the appearance of the displaydevice. In one embodiment the appearance of the display can include datacodes representing the resolution, the aspect ratio (AR), and/or thephysical size of the display device. Following step 3004, process 3000proceeds to step 3006.

In step 3006 of the present embodiment, an inquiry determines whetherthe display device input 3004 a for display characteristics exists. Ifdisplay characteristics input 3004 a does exist, then process 3000proceeds to step 3008. This case accounts for an intelligent digital oranalog television that provides an output of its displaycharacteristics. However, if no display characteristics input exist,then process 3000 proceeds to step 3014. This latter case accounts fordisplay devices that have no intelligent output devices. Thus, thepresent invention, in step 3006, provides the flexibility ofaccommodating display devices that provide an output and display devicesthat do not provide an output.

Step 3008 arises if a display characteristics input does exist. In step3008 of the present invention, a portion of the block of data fordisplay on the display device is selected. Step 3008 is implemented, inone embodiment, by the video device 200 shown in FIG. 2A. Specifically,video device 200 is adapted to analyze display device characteristicinput 3004 a and decide the appropriate portion of the block of data todisplay. In one embodiment, the Extended Data Service (XDS) systemdescribed in Electronic Industries Association-608 (EIA-608), A or B,and incorporated by reference herein, can be implemented to convey thedisplay characteristics, such as the aspect ratio of the display, in thevertical blanking interval. In an alternative embodiment, display devicecharacteristics can be transmitted along with the broadcast videosignal. For example, default aspect ratio data can be transmitted in thedigital transport stream of an ATSC broadcast, as well as otherproprietary digital broadcasts. The present invention is alsowell-suited to other aspect ratio signal schemes, such as theInternational Electrotechnical Commission-1880 (IEC-1880) standard online 20 of the vertical blanking interval (VBI). Additionally, in acomputer environment, display device characteristics can be transmittedusing suitable communication protocols, such as the computer monitorstandard under Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA).Subsequent process 4000 provides steps that can be utilized forimplementing step 3008 of process 3000. Following step 3008, process3000 proceeds to step 3010.

In step 3010 of the present invention, an amount of data is custom fitfor the display device on which it will be displayed, according to itsdisplay characteristics. Step 3010 is implemented, in one embodiment, bythe video device 200 shown in FIG. 2A. Specifically, frame buffer 212 ofvideo device 200 is adapted to format the block of data, chosen in step3008, for display on the display device. Methods and apparatus used forformatting the block of data are well-known in the art and are notdescribed herein for purposes of clarity. In one embodiment, the blockof data has a single common format, e.g. modular columns and/or rows,that allows variable amounts of data to be formatted for display simplyby adding or removing the modular rows or columns. However, the presentinvention is well-suited to alternative formats of the block of data,such as asymmetrical formatted data. In another embodiment, a font typeand size can be customized to provide an optimal display of the data.

Step 3010 of the present invention may also be implemented usinganamorphic formatting techniques that magnify or reduce images todissimilar degrees along different axes. By doing so, the presentimplementation of step 3010 can custom fit an amount of data for a givendisplay device's display characteristics. For example, one embodimentcan use vertical compression (v-compression) with the associatedblacked-out top and/or bottom region, to maintain a desired quantity ofEPG rows and columns to be displayed on the display device. This latterembodiment can be implemented on either analog or digital displaydevices. With analog televisions, the present embodiment is well-suitedto discrete phosphorous elements, such as the traditional red, green,blue (RGB) dot trio, or to continuous phosphorous elements, e.g. SONYTrinitron™ tube having vertical strips with unlimited resolution. Inparticular, the v-compression embodiment compresses the verticaldistance of the raster in order to provide the appropriate AR for thedata, in one embodiment. Step 3010 can also be accomplished by othermethods of anamorphic formatting besides v-compression.

The v-compression embodiment for step 3010 can be implemented byautomatically programming a receiver to implement the v-compressionprocess. For example, in one embodiment, an EPG data signal, formattedwith a 16:9 AR, is received at a receiver for a television having adifferent AR, such as 4:3. The receiver is automatically programmed toprovide the required amount of v-compression to display the intendedblock of EPG data while maintaining an aesthetic AR of the EPG datadisplayed. Thus, the 16:9 EPG data is not stretched in a verticaldirection to match the 4:3 display AR, but is compressed in the verticaldirection with an appropriate black-out strip on the top and/or thebottom of the image. Following step 3010, process 3000 proceeds to step3012.

In step 3012 of the present invention, the image frame produced by step3010 is communicated to the display device. Step 3012 is implemented, inone embodiment, by the video device 200 shown in FIG. 2A. Specifically,image output lead 214 is adapted to communicate the image frame,produced by frame buffer 212 of display source device 200, to thedisplay device. Following step 3012, process 3000 ends.

As an example for step 3008 through 3012, if an input indicating a highresolution, high aspect ratio 16:9, large television set is received, arelatively large portion of the display block will be selected forsubsequent display on the display device. One embodiment of thisscenario is presented in FIG. 2B. Compared to conventional EPG display,a one and one-half hour portion, e.g. more columns, of EPG data can beselected for display, and six stations, e.g. more rows, of the EPG datacan be selected for display on the display device. That is, in oneexample, program information for 9:00 a.m. week 1 column 124 a through10:00 a.m. week 1 column 124 c, for stations ABC 122 a through PAX 122f, can be chosen for subsequent display, as shown in FIG. 2B. While thepresent example chooses a specific input situation, the presentinvention is well-suited to a plethora of cases, with their appropriatetrade-off. FIG. 2C provides an alternative embodiment of a conventionalAR display device displaying a narrower and shorter table of EPG data.

Step 3014 arises if no display characteristics input exists, per theinquiry of step 3006. In step 3014 of the present invention, the user isprompted to manually provide display information. Display informationcan include data such as the display characteristics of the displaydevice. Step 3014 is implemented, in one embodiment, by the video device200 shown in FIG. 2A. Specifically, video device 200 is adapted toprompt user via an appropriate message, from memory 210, on image outputlead 214 to the display device. Following step 3014, process 3000proceeds to step 3016.

In step 3016 of the present embodiment, input regarding the appearanceof the display is received. Input block 3016 a is received as user inputdisplay characteristics. Step 3016 and input 3016 a are implemented, inone embodiment, by the video device 200 shown in FIG. 2A. Specifically,input from a viewer, or user, can be received via user input lead 213 Asignal can be provided to user input lead 213 via a number of sourcessuch as a remote control device, a video cassette recorder (VCR), orinput devices, such as buttons, located on the display device. Thisembodiment is particularly applicable when a display device does nothave a component that will automatically transmit data regarding thedisplay characteristics of the display device. In one embodiment thedisplay characteristics of the display device provided by the user caninclude inputs such as the resolution, the aspect ratio (AR), and thephysical size of the display. Additionally, the user can input auser-definable font type and font size for the text of the data to bedisplayed. Following step 3016, process 3000 proceeds to step 3018.

In step 3018 of the present embodiment, an inquiry determines whetherthe user input data on display characteristics exists. If user input ondisplay characteristics input does exist, then process 3000 proceeds tostep 3008. This case accounts for a user who is able to provide viableinput data. However, if no user-supplied display characteristics inputexist, then process 3000 proceeds to step 3020. This latter caseaccounts for a user who is unable to provide viable input data. Thus,the present invention, in Step 3018, provides the flexibility ofaccommodating cases when the user can and cannot provide useful inputdata. Following step 3018, process 3000 proceeds to step 3020.

Step 3020 arises if no user-supplied display characteristics inputexists. In step 3020 of the present invention, a portion of the block ofdata is selected, based on minimum display characteristics. Step 3020 isimplemented, in one embodiment, by the video device 200 shown in FIG.2A. Specifically, video device 200 is adapted to select a portion ofblock of EPG data from memory 210, based on a default value for displaycharacteristics, e.g. a conventional aspect ratio characteristic, alsostored in memory 210. Display characteristics, such as minimum availabledisplay characteristics, can be pre-programmed in memory 210, receivedvia broadcast input 206, or input by user via input lead 213. While thepresent embodiment begins with minimum display characteristics, thepresent invention is well-suited to alternative formats. For example, amedian or maximum display characteristic format can be chosen. Thepresent embodiment chooses a minimum display characteristic, such asminimum AR, minimum display device size, and minimum resolution, toprovide a readable display of EPG data for all possible display devices.From this point, the larger AR, larger size, and/or higher resolutiondisplay devices can increase the portion of data to be viewed. Followingstep 3020, process 3000 proceeds to step 3022.

In step 3022 of the present invention, the portion of the block of dataselected is formatted as an image frame for display on the displaydevice. Step 3022 is implemented, in one embodiment, in a similar mannerto that presented for step 3010. Following step 3022, process 3000proceeds to step 3024.

In step 3024 of the present invention, the image frame produced by step3022 is communicated to the display device. Step 3024 is implemented, inone embodiment, in a similar manner to that presented for step 3012.Following step 3024, process 3000 proceeds to step 3026.

In step 3026 of the present embodiment, input regarding the appearanceof the display is received. A user can provide display devicecharacteristics input 3026 a. Step 3026 and input 3026 a areimplemented, in one embodiment, by the video device 200 shown in FIG.2A. Specifically, input from a viewer, or user, can be received via userinput lead 213, indicating the acceptability of the displayed portion ofthe block of EPG data chosen by the present embodiment. A signal can beprovided on user input lead 213 via a number of sources such as a remotecontrol device, a video cassette recorder (VCR), or input devices, suchas buttons, located on the display device (not shown). In one embodimentthe user can provide a binary response, such as “yes” or “no,” or avariable response, such as an input from “1” as worst to “10” as best.Following step 3026, process 3000 proceeds to step 3028.

In step 3028 of the present embodiment, an inquiry determines whether analternative display characteristic exists. If an alternative displaycharacteristic does exist, then process 3000 proceeds to step 3030. Thiscase accounts for a possible display configuration, e.g. a displayconfiguration for a larger size and greater resolution display deviceformat, that has not been reviewed and graded by the viewer.Alternatively, inquiry 3028 can also evaluate user input 3026 a as aweighting factor on whether to provide the user with any additionalconfigurations of EPG data. If no alternative display characteristicexists, then process 3000 proceeds to step 3032. This latter caseaccounts for the point where all available configurations of EPG datahave been provided to the viewer for evaluation.

Step 3030 arises if an alternative display characteristic does exist perthe inquiry of step 3028. In step 3030 of the present invention, adifferent portion of the block of data is selected for formatting anddisplaying on the display device. Step 3030 is implemented, in oneembodiment, by the video device 200 shown in FIG. 2A. That is, adifferent portion, or an increment value of a display device format,e.g. screen size, is retrieved from memory 210 and implemented withrespect to a portion of the data block, also stored in memory 210. Thepresent invention is well-suited to many different embodiments forindexing through the possible portions and formats of a block of data.Following step 3030, process 3000 returns to step 3022.

Step 3032 arises if no alternative display characteristic exists. Instep 3032 of the present invention, a block of data and a format ischosen as a default value. That is, when the appropriate amount ofchoices for display format and size have been evaluated, the best choiceis labeled as a default value. Input from the user, per input 3026 a, isused in the evaluation step. In this manner, the user only has to set upthe communication device, used for formatting blocks of data, one time.The default value can be called up and implemented for future viewing ofthe block of data. In an alternative embodiment, inputs from the usercan be weighted to optimize or bias the result. Step 3032 isimplemented, in one embodiment, by the video device 200 shown in FIG.2A. Specifically, video device 200 is adapted to choose a defaultportion of, and format for, a block of data and to store it in memory asa default value for future use. Step 3032 can alternatively beimplemented after step 3012, in one embodiment, to create a defaultportion and format for a block of data for a display device thatprovides output. Following step 3032, process 3000 ends.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a flowchart is shown of the process performedto determine a portion of a block of data to be provided to a displaydevice based on the display characteristics of the display device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Process 4000provides one embodiment of the present invention for deciding theappropriate portion and formatting of block of data, such as theelectronic programming information (EPG), for subsequent presentation toa display device.

Process 4000 begins with step 4002. In step 4002 of the presentembodiment, display characteristics of a display device are received.Step 4002 is implemented, in one embodiment, by the video device 200shown in FIG. 2A. Inputs on the display characteristics of a displaydevice can be received either on user input lead 213 or displaycharacteristic input 216. Display inputs can include aspect ratio input4002 a, resolution input 4002 b, and/or display size input 4002 c forthe display device. Following step 4002, process 4000 proceeds to step4004.

In step 4004 of the present embodiment, an inquiry determines whetherthe aspect ratio input is a high ratio. If the aspect ratio is high,then process 4000 proceeds to step 4006. This case accounts for adisplay aspect ratio corresponding to one standard television AR, e.g.an aspect ratio of 16:9. However, if the aspect ratio is not high, thenprocess 4000 proceeds to step 4008. This latter case accounts for adisplay aspect ratio corresponding to a display device with a differentAR. Alternatively, aspect ratio input can be compared to a predeterminedthreshold value stored in memory to decide whether to proceed to step4006 or step 4008.

Step 4006 arises if the aspect ratio is a high value, as determined bystep 4004. In step 4006, a horizontal portion, e.g. the number ofcolumns, of the block of data, is increased to accommodate a higheraspect ratio. The specific value of the increase can be optimized ordetermined for specific applications. Following step 4006, process 4000proceeds to step 4010.

Step 4008 arises if the aspect ratio is not a high value, as determinedby step 4004. In step 4008, a horizontal portion, e.g. the number ofcolumns, of the block of data, is decreased to accommodate a loweraspect ratio. The specific value of the decrease can be optimized ordetermined for specific applications. Following step 4008, process 4000proceeds to step 4010.

In step 4010 of the present embodiment, an inquiry determines whetherthe resolution input is a high value. If the resolution is a high value,then process 4000 proceeds to step 4012. This case accounts for adisplay having a high resolution. Typically, a higher resolution displayallows for additional bandwidth of data to be displayed. However, if theresolution is not a high value, then process 4000 proceeds to step 4014.This latter case accounts for a display having a low resolution. In onecase, the resolution setting can be binary, e.g. high resolution or lowresolution. Alternatively, the present invention is well-suited tohaving a gradient scale having numerous values, and numerouscorresponding steps in which to proceed. In yet another embodiment,resolution input can be compared to a predetermined threshold resolutionvalue to decide whether to proceed to step 4012 or step 4014.

Step 4012 arises if the resolution is a high value, as determined bystep 4010. In step 4012, a horizontal portion, e.g. the number ofcolumns, of the block of data and/or a vertical portion, e.g. the numberof rows, of the block of data is increased to accommodate a higherresolution display device input. The specific value of the increase canbe optimized or determined for specific applications. Following step4012, process 4000 proceeds to step 4016.

Step 4014 arises if the resolution is not a high value, as determined bystep 4010. In step 4014, a horizontal portion, e.g. the number ofcolumns, of the block of data and/or a vertical portion, e.g. the numberof rows, of the block of data is decreased to accommodate a lowerresolution display device input. The specific value of the decrease canbe optimized or determined for specific applications. Following step4014, process 4000 proceeds to step 4016.

In step 4016 of the present embodiment, an inquiry determines whetherthe display device size input is a high value. If the size input is ahigh value, then process 4000 proceeds to step 4018. This case accountsfor a large display device, which can provide a larger size of the datato be displayed, and thus a greater, and thus finer, amount of data tobe displayed. However, if the size input is not a high value, thenprocess 4000 proceeds to step 4020. This latter case accounts for asmall display device. Alternatively, size input can be compared to apredetermined threshold value to decide whether to proceed to step 4018or step 4020.

Step 4018 arises if the size input is a high value, as determined bystep 4016. In step 4018, a horizontal portion, e.g. the number ofcolumns, of the block of data and/or a vertical portion, e.g. the numberof rows, of the block of data is increased to accommodate a larger sizeof the display device. The specific value of the increase can beoptimized or determined for specific applications. Following step 4018,process 4000 ends.

Step 4020 arises if the size input is not a high value, as determined bystep 4016. In step 4020, a horizontal portion, e.g. the number ofcolumns, of the block of data and/or a vertical portion, e.g. the numberof rows, of the block of data is decreased to accommodate a smaller sizeof display device. The specific value of the decrease can be optimizedor determined for specific applications. Following step 4020, process4000 ends.

Additionally, the present invention is well-suited to inputs other than,or in addition to, inputs 4002 a-4002 c. Similarly, the presentinvention is well-suited to additional inquiries relating to additionalinputs, along with the appropriate additional subsequent steps.

The potential results of inquiries 4004, 4010, and 4016 can lead toconflicting results for the portion of the block of data to be providedto the display device in the present embodiment. In one case, twodifferent inputs of opposing qualities can have the effect of cancelingeach other out, with a nominal portion of data being ultimately providedto a display device. In another embodiment, different input values canbe weighted depending upon the input, reasoning that one input will havea greater influence on the readability of the displayed information. Thepresent invention is well-suited to many different alternatives forimplementing a composite decision for the quantity of vertical andhorizontal portion of block of data to display.

While processes 3000 and 4000 of the present embodiment shows a specificsequence and quantity of steps, the present invention is suitable toalternative embodiments. For example, not all the steps provided forprocesses 3000 and 4000 are required for the present invention. Forexample, an alternative embodiment of process 3000 can omit steps 3020through 3032 if the do-loop function is not desired for a givenapplication. Furthermore, additional steps can be added to the stepspresented in the present embodiment. Likewise, the sequence of the stepscan be modified depending upon the application. While processes 3000 and4000 are shown as a single serial process, it can also be implemented asa continuous or parallel process.

Many of the instructions for the steps, and the data input and outputfrom the steps of processes 3000 and 4000 are implemented utilizingmemory 210 and processor 208, as shown in FIG. 2A. The memory storage210 of the present embodiment can either be permanent, such as read onlymemory (ROM), or temporary memory such as random access memory (RAM).Memory 210 can also be any other type of memory storage, capable ofcontaining program instructions, such as a hard drive, a CD ROM, orflash memory. Furthermore, processor 208 can either be a dedicatedcontroller, an existing system processor, or it can be a dedicateddigital signal processing (DSP) processor. Alternatively, theinstructions can be implemented using some form of a state machine.

In view of the embodiments presented herein, the present inventionprovides a method and apparatus to intelligently select and format asuitable amount of data from the block of EPG data to display on adisplay device. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method fordisplaying a wider range of information of the EPG than is currentlyavailable. That is, the present invention provides a method andapparatus that takes advantage of the wider AR of some display devicesto display additional EPG program guide information. At the same time,the present invention provides a method and apparatus that can beadapted to select and format a portion of an EPG block of data thatwould be suitable to display devices with different ARs, thusaccommodating new and legacy devices. The present invention alsoprovides a method and apparatus that optimizes the amount of readabledata displayed on the display device based on display devicecharacteristics such as resolution and size of the display device. Whilethe present embodiments are applied to an EPG block of data, the presentinvention is well-suited to any block of data including any text-baseddata or any graphics-based data.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

1. A method comprising: receiving data having a first format; receivinga display characteristic; selecting a portion of said data based on saiddisplay characteristic; fitting said selected portion of said data in animage frame having a second format; and communicating said image frameto a display.
 2. The method recited in claim 1, wherein said displaycharacteristic includes one or more of an aspect ratio of said display,a resolution of said display, a size of said display, a font type and afont size.
 3. The method recited in claim 1, wherein said displaycharacteristic is automatically received from said display.
 4. Themethod recited in claim 1, wherein said display characteristic isreceived from a user.
 5. The method recited in claim 1, wherein fittingsaid selected data comprises anamorphic formatting said selected data.6. The method recited in claim 5, wherein said anamorphic formattingsaid selected data comprises compressing or stretching said selecteddata based on said display characteristic of said display.
 7. The methodrecited in claim 1, wherein selecting said portion of said data based onsaid display characteristic comprises: comparing an aspect ratio of saiddisplay to a predetermined threshold; increasing a horizontal portion ofsaid data selected if said aspect ratio of said display is greater thansaid predetermined threshold; and decreasing said horizontal portion ofsaid data selected if said aspect ratio of said display is less thansaid predetermined threshold.
 8. The method recited in claim 1, whereinselecting said portion of said data based on said display characteristiccomprises: comparing a resolution of said display to a predeterminedthreshold; increasing a horizontal or vertical portion of said dataselected if said resolution of said display is greater than saidpredetermined threshold; and decreasing said horizontal or verticalportion of said data selected if said resolution of said display is lessthan said predetermined threshold.
 9. The method recited in claim 1,wherein selecting said portion of said data based on said displaycharacteristic comprises: comparing a size of said display to apredetermined threshold; increasing a horizontal or vertical portion ofsaid data selected if said size of said display is greater than saidpredetermined threshold; and decreasing said horizontal or verticalportion of said data selected if said size of said display is less thansaid predetermined threshold.
 10. The method recited in claim 1, whereinselecting said portion of said data based on said display characteristiccomprises: comparing an aspect ratio of said display to a predeterminedthreshold; comparing resolution of said display to a predeterminedresolution threshold; comparing a size of said display to apredetermined size threshold; and adjusting said selected portion ofsaid data based on a weighting of said aspect ratio comparison, saidresolution comparison and said size comparison.
 11. The method recitedin claim 1, further comprising: wherein said display characteristic isreceived from said display; receiving an additional displaycharacteristic from a user; adjusting said selected portion of said databased on said additional display characteristic; wherein fitting saidselected portion of said data in said image frame comprises fitting saidadjusted selected portion.
 12. The method recited in claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving an indication of an acceptability of said selectedportion of said data from a user; determining if an alternative displaycharacteristic exists if said selected portion of said data is notacceptable; selecting a different portion of said data based on saidalternative display characteristic, if said alternative displaycharacteristic exists; and fitting said selected different portion ofsaid data in said image frame based on said alternative displaycharacteristic.
 13. The method recited in claim 12, further comprisingchoosing an acceptable image frame as a default selected portion of saiddata and default format for said image frame.
 14. The method recited inclaim 1, further comprising selecting said portion of said data based ona default display characteristic, if said characteristic is not receivedfrom said display device or a user.
 15. The method recited in claim 1,further comprising: receiving an input from a user regarding anappearance of said image frame on said display device; changing saidportion of said data based on said input from said user; formatting saidchanged portion of said data to create an adjusted image frame for saiddisplay device; and communicating said adjusted image frame to saiddisplay device.
 16. A video device comprising: a receiver unit forreceiving data having a first format; a processor coupled to saidreceiver unit; and a computer readable memory coupled to said processorand containing program instructions stored therein that when executedcauses said processor to implement a method comprising: receiving adisplay characteristic; determining a given amount of said data based onsaid display characteristic; formatting said given amount of data as animage frame having a second format based on said display characteristic,wherein said first format is different from said second format; andcommunicating said image frame to said display.
 17. The video devicerecited in claim 16, wherein determining said given amount of said databased on said display characteristic comprises: comparing an aspectratio of said display to a predetermined threshold; increasing saidgiven amount of data if said aspect ratio of said display is greaterthan said predetermined threshold; and decreasing said given amount ofdata selected if said aspect ratio of said display is less than saidpredetermined threshold.
 18. The video device recited in claim 16,wherein determining said given amount of said data based on said displaycharacteristic comprises: comparing a resolution of said display to apredetermined threshold; increasing said given amount of data if saidresolution of said display is greater than said predetermined threshold;and decreasing said given amount of data selected if said resolution ofsaid display is less than said predetermined threshold.
 19. The videodevice recited in claim 16, wherein said method further comprises:receiving an indication of an acceptability of said given amount of saiddata from a user; determining if an alternative display characteristicexists is said given amount is not acceptable; determining a differentamount of said data based on said alternative display characteristic, ifsaid alternative display characteristic exists; and formatting saiddifferent amount of said data in said image frame having said secondformat based on said alternative display characteristic.
 20. The videodevice recited in claim 16, wherein said method further comprises:receiving an input from a user regarding an appearance of said imageframe on said display device; changing said given amount of said databased on said input from said user; formatting said changed amount ofsaid data to create an adjusted image frame for said display device; andcommunicating said adjusted image frame to said display device.